Stacy Johnson President/Journalist
Here's a little bit about me, my background, what I do and why I do it. I'm a 50-something married guy living in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, FL, the yachting capital of the world. I live in a modest house on a canal off the Intracoastal Waterway and have a boat or two behind my house. I love riding motorcycles (Softail Custom) sailing, fishing, traveling and laughing out loud as often as possible.
As far as credentials go, I've got more than most. I've been a CPA since 1980 and have also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options, mutual funds, life insurance and real estate. I spent 10 years working for three Wall Street firms (EF Hutton, Shearson and Prudential) and have been investing in both stocks and real estate for about 30 years.
For the last 20 years, I've written, produced and distributed Money Talks News, a consumer/personal finance TV news feature that airs in about 80 cities nationwide as well as around the web. I've now done close to 3,000 personal finance news stories. I've also written a few books, including what I modestly consider to be the best how-to-get-out-of-debt book in the universe, Life or Debt.
While I'm certainly not rich in the Palm Beach/Central Park West sense, I'm financially independent, meaning I work because I want to and not because I have to. I didn't get here by selling books, tapes or seminars. I did it the same way I expect you to: one hard-fought paycheck at a time.
My philosophy is simple: as you go through life, you have the opportunity to either look rich or be rich. But you probably won't live long enough to accomplish both. So make a decision. If you want to look rich, you don't need me. Just do what the commercials tell you. If you want to be rich, however, I can help.
Consider this: if you can save just 5 bucks a day every day for 30 years, and earn 10% on it, you'll end up with $343,693. That's enough to change your life and the lives of those you love. And I'll assist by hooking you up with savings, both big and small, so you'll find that 5 bucks. And I'll give you investing advice so your money works as hard for you as you do for it.
So if you'd like to make more, spend less, avoid being ripped off and better understand money, keep coming back. We'll leave the lights on for you!
Posts by Stacy Johnson
Ask Stacy: How Do I Stop Collection Agency Calls?
Jul 10, 2012 - This reader gets harassed by collection agencies seeking other people with the same name. But whether collection calls are legitimate or not, here's how to make them stop.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jul 06, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: eating quick and healthy, gardening with diapers, advertising your rental, getting your teen a bank account, and laughing at Amazon.
6 Steps to Your Personal Independence Day
Jul 04, 2012 - As you celebrate our nation's independence day, maybe you should be thinking of your own. Are you getting closer to financial freedom? If not, here are some tips that will take you there.
Ask Stacy: Can I Drop My Health Insurance?
Jul 03, 2012 - In 2014, the Affordable Care Act will force insurance companies to insure everyone. So why not just drop your health coverage, pay the penalty, then buy insurance if you get sick? Check out this exchange on health care reform between me and a reader.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jun 29, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: surviving IKEA, enjoying the beach, savoring happy hour, thinking about salaries, and what Benihana can teach you.
The Supreme Court Health Care Decision: What It Means to You
Jun 28, 2012 - The media is talking about which politicians "won" and "lost" when the Supreme Court ruled on health care reform. But here's what really matters: how it all affects you.
7 Tips to Save on Motorcycle Insurance
Jun 27, 2012 - Live to ride, ride to live. But save a few bucks while you're at it.
Ask Stacy: Can I Get Settled Debts Removed From My Credit History?
Jun 26, 2012 - You pay off a credit card debt by settling it for less than you owed. Problem solved? With the debt, yes. With your credit score, no. Here's how to destroy debts without destroying your score.
8 Ways to Save on Life Insurance
Jun 25, 2012 - Here's how to get the biggest bang for your buck on life insurance, as well as decide how much you need.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jun 22, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: how to treat summertime ailments, how to send the kids to free movies, how to send yourself overseas, how to paint your house, and how to avoid insurance mishaps.
Ask Stacy: How Can I Destroy High-Interest Debt?
Jun 19, 2012 - This reader is tired of fighting a 15 percent interest rate and can't transfer the balance to a lower-rate credit card. Are they out of luck?
15 Easy Ways to Go Green and Save Green
Jun 14, 2012 - Yet another study has come out saying Americans aren't committed to eco-friendly spending. I don't believe it – because there are very simple tips for saving both the environment and your money.
Ask Stacy: Can I Get Paid to Put an Ad on My Car?
Jun 12, 2012 - We've all seen cars wrapped with ads. Is it possible you can get paid to drive one? Or better yet, get a new car and a check?
How to Make Money Writing Books
Jun 11, 2012 - If you've ever dreamed of seeing your name on the spine of a book, you'll find it easier to self-publish today than ever before. But publishing a book is easy. The hard part? Getting people to buy it.
Take 5: A Roundup of Reads From Around the Web
Jun 08, 2012 - A look at five interesting personal finance posts from other bloggers around the Web. This week: flammable sunscreen, cheap I-love-you's, money love mergers, a "gimme" cure, and a customer service definition.
